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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Authentic spots in Union City

An authentic meal that stays true to its roots instead of catering to the most common denominator.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
The Mictlan image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Small space with vibrant decor offers an intimate, warm vibe. Authentic Mexican dishes shine with birria tacos and old-fashioned cooking. Margaritas stand out, completing the genuine experience.

Small, cozy setting with vibrant decor creates an authentic vibe. Food features authentic Mexican cuisine with perfect preparation and old-fashioned mom-and-pop cooking.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and flavorful."

"I thought the birria taco was amazing Mexican food."

"The food here is so flavorful and authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers many vegetarian options alongside traditional meat dishes.

2

The most expensive plate costs $16.99, making it affordable for most diners.

3

Expect inconsistent taco sizes; some are small while others are standard.

02
Pelicana Chicken image 1
Fried chicken takeaway

Korean fried chicken is super crispy outside and juicy inside, tossed in sweet and spicy sauces. Takeout stays warm and crunchy with neat packaging. Side dishes like pickled radish add authentic flavor and enhance the meal.

Korean fried chicken here tastes authentic and very tasty. The chicken delivers a delicious flavor true to its roots.

People are saying

"This Korean food is the best I've ever had."

"I found the Korean fried chicken here to be authentic and delicious."

"The Korean fried chicken here is authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Pelicana Chicken charges a 10% fee for online orders.

2

Their meal comes with 2 servings of rice.

3

Pelicana Chicken takeout is a convenient option for getting delicious fried chicken to go.

03
MORENO image 1
Ecuadorian restaurant

Elegant space blends modern and traditional decor with live Ecuadorian saxophone music, creating a warm, family-friendly vibe. Tables sit close, making it intimate but sometimes cramped. Dishes offer authentic Ecuadorian flavors with a fresh, homemade taste.

Dishes feature authentic Ecuadorian flavors with a homemade taste that feels fresh and well prepared. Every item serves up delicious, traditional food true to Ecuadorian roots.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"The live music here was amazing, especially the saxophone."

"I found the authentic Ecuadorian food to be delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, over an hour for a table during peak hours.

2

Live music is featured on Saturdays, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Reservations are recommended on weekends to avoid long waits.

04
Kanoa Cafe image 1
Ecuadorian restaurant

Spacious and clean Ecuadorian restaurant offers a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere with authentic Ecuadorian flavors like bandera and cazuela mixta. Clear lighting and spectacular music create a homey vibe perfect for couples. Known for affordable prices and excellent dishes, it shines as a community gem.

Food delivers authentic Ecuadorian flavors with dishes like bandera and cazuela mixta. Empanadas come with authentic Ecuadorian cheese, and the jugo de tomate de arbol adds a genuine touch.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic Ecuadorian style."

"The seafood rice here is creamy, wet, and packed with seafood."

"I found the food to be really good and authentic."

Good to know

1

Kanoa Cafe offers lunch from Tuesday to Friday.

2

They have a $13 lunch deal that includes a soup, main dish, and drink.

3

Parking is difficult; there is no dedicated parking available.

05
My Mexico 2go image 1
Mexican restaurant

Vibrant colors and a warm atmosphere set the scene for phenomenal tacos and authentic flavors like tacos al pastor. Generous portions and very good prices make dining smooth with minimal wait times and clean surroundings.

Dishes like tacos al pastor, steak, and quesadillas use fresh ingredients and deliver authentic Mexican flavors. The food stays consistently good and real, capturing traditional tastes well.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, fresh, and just plain yummy."

"I found the tacos and enchiladas to be phenomenal."

"The food here is so authentic, it transports you straight to Mexico."

Good to know

1

The prices are very good for the large servings offered.

2

You will not find prices this good for such large servings anywhere in the tri-state area.

3

The portions are generous, ensuring good value for your money.

06
Pho Express X Teriyaki Bowl - Banh Mi & Bubble Tea image 1

Vietnamese restaurant offers authentic seafood pho with genuine Asian flavors. Cozy ambiance with church pew seating creates a warm, relaxing vibe. Convenient kiosk ordering suits casual meals or dates.

Seafood pho stands out with its authentic flavor and delicious taste. The menu offers genuine Asian cuisine that stays true to traditional recipes.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food, especially the pho broth, is rich and comforting."

"The bubble tea here is amazing and refreshing."

"The seafood pho here is surprisingly delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is still in a soft opening phase, so many menu items are not yet available.

2

The prices are very affordable considering the quality and quantity.

3

The food and drinks are prepared quickly, ideal for a fast meal.

07
Casa di Napoli image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, cozy space feels like a grandmother's home with a warm family-run atmosphere. Authentic Italian flavors shine in every dish, served with warm family hospitality. Cash-only, BYOB policy adds to the intimate, unpretentious vibe.

Authentic Italian flavors shine through every dish, served with warm family hospitality. The food stays true to traditional recipes, offering a genuine taste of Italy.

People are saying

"I thought the homemade Italian food was truly amazing and authentic."

"The seafood here is cooked to perfection, especially the lobster tail."

"I loved the authentic Italian food and flavors here."

Good to know

1

Casa di Napoli only accepts cash payments.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your own wine.

3

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

08
Las delicias del Ecuador image 1
Ecuadorian restaurant

Small, cozy spot serves authentic Ecuadorian flavor with traditional breads in a clean, family-friendly space. Warm days bring a natural breeze as no air conditioning is used. Comfort and genuine taste make it a standout choice.

Food delivers authentic Ecuadorian flavor that feels true to the home country. Dishes carry a genuine taste rarely found outside Ecuador.

People are saying

"The bread here is delicious and very, very good."

"The lunches here tasted homemade and delicious."

"I experienced authentic Ecuadorian flavor in the food."

Good to know

1

Expect a 15% gratuity added to your bill automatically.

2

There is no bar, and outside alcohol is not permitted.

3

Prices for specials can vary; confirm before ordering.

09
Cemitas Puebla Y Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy spot with colorful exterior and nostalgic music sets a vibrant, welcoming mood. Serves authentic Mexican cuisine with consistent, delicious flavors. Clean, simple space feels genuine and satisfying.

Food serves real authentic Mexican cuisine with no pretensions. Menu offers a variety of authentic Mexican options that deliver consistent, delicious flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and always hot."

"I thought the tacos were pure magic, savory goodness."

"I found the food to be delicious, authentic, and well priced."

Good to know

1

Birria tacos are only available on Tuesdays.

2

Parking can be difficult due to the area.

3

The place is pet-friendly.

10
Viva Mexico image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small spot with handmade tortillas offers authentic Mexican dishes like carnitas tacos. Cozy vibe with 3-4 tables and lively music videos on TV. Fresh ingredients make flavors pop in every bite.

Fresh ingredients and traditional recipes create authentic Mexican food here. The dishes consistently deliver great flavor and genuine taste.

People are saying

"I loved the burritos, enchiladas, and carnitas memelas."

"I found the Mexican food here to be amazing."

"I found the Mexican food here to be great and authentic."

Good to know

1

Expect a $2 fee for credit card payments on your bill.

2

Parking is difficult to find in the area; consider takeout or delivery.

3

Breakfast prices increase after noon, which is not clearly advertised.

11
Brisas Del Caribe image 1
Cuban restaurant

Cozy space with a home-like atmosphere offers authentic Cuban flavors that stay true to tradition. Affordable prices and clean surroundings make it welcoming and familiar. Comfort food shines in every dish here.

Authentic Cuban flavor shines through every dish here. The cuisine stays true to traditional recipes and tastes.

People are saying

"The Cuban food here is authentic and delicious."

"I found the Cuban food here to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

They offer breakfast and lunch specials daily.

2

The food is very affordable for customers.

3

Expect authentic Cuban flavors in every dish.

12
Daon Korean Cuisine image 1
Korean restaurant

Offers authentic Korean flavors with generous portions. Operates as a ghost kitchen using locker pickup and iPad kiosks. Atmosphere is fast-paced and efficient, focusing on quick delivery without dine-in.

Food delivers authentic Korean flavors with a taste that stays true to tradition. Dishes come across as genuinely authentic and delicious.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is so flavorful and comforting."

"The takeout food here is warm, delicious, and made with care."

"The food here is phenomenal and tastes so authentic."

Good to know

1

Daon Korean Cuisine operates as a ghost kitchen with lockers for pickup.

2

Dine-in is not allowed; it's takeout only.

3

Customers pick up their food from a kiosk using an iPad to locate their order.

13
MARACAIBO image 1
Restaurant

Elegant space with Venezuelan-inspired decor and warm lighting sets a vibrant mood. Loud, live music energizes the room, creating a lively atmosphere but making talk tough. Dishes offer authentic Venezuelan flavors with a homemade touch, while valet parking and a chic bar with craft cocktails complete the experience.

Dishes showcase authentic Venezuelan flavors with a homemade taste in every bite. Preparation preserves traditional recipes, delivering incredibly flavorful and well-crafted meals.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the cachapa."

"The cocktails here are friendly and attentive."

"The Venezuelan food here is so authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

2

Reservations are recommended for special events and busy weekends.

3

Private events can be hosted in the upstairs area.

14
La Gran Via Bakery image 1

Old-school bakery offers authentic Cuban flavors with fresh pasteles and croquettes. Cozy atmosphere with special decoration adds charm. Every bite shows impeccable attention to detail in quality and taste.

Fresh bakery vibes fill the air with every bite of the pasteles tasting homemade and authentic Cuban flavors shining through.

People are saying

"The cake's decoration was crisp, elegant, and beautifully executed."

"I found the coffee here to be strong and smooth."

"The pasteles here taste homemade and authentic, packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking at La Gran Via Bakery can be challenging, so plan accordingly.

2

Prices at La Gran Via Bakery are reasonable compared to other bakeries.

3

The bakery produces all its bread, empanadas, and pastries in-house.

15
Cortaditos image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop shines with authentic Cuban coffee and Cubano sandwich. Colorful Cuban art and lively timba music create a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Outdoor seating offers a pleasant spot on nice days despite cozy, crowded space.

Offers authentic Cuban coffee and snacks with classic dishes like the Cubano sandwich. Includes updated sandwich and pastry options alongside traditional flavors.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be rich and well-balanced."

"I found the empanadas to be well-made and delicious."

"I loved their authentic Cuban coffee and classic dishes."

Good to know

1

Cortaditos gets crowded on weekends, so arrive early for seating.

2

There isn't much parking in this area, so plan accordingly.

3

Double parking is not recommended because it's a busy street.

16
Curry Palace image 1
Indian restaurant

Small Indian restaurant offers authentic flavors with dishes like dal makhani. It has a pleasant atmosphere and stays open late. Prices are reasonable, making it great for students and those craving real Indian food.

Indian cuisine features authentic flavors with dishes like dal makhani that stay true to traditional recipes.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and delicious."

"I found the Indian food here to be amazingly delicious and authentic."

"I found the Indian cuisine here to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Curry Palace is open late at night for dinner.

2

The restaurant offers a diverse menu with fresh ingredients.

3

Prices are generally cheaper than other Indian restaurants in the area.

17
Nadan Kerala Cafe (Take-Out) image 1

Cloud kitchen serves authentic Kerala cuisine with rich curries and seafood. Generous portions and traditional spices create a nostalgic culinary experience. Food arrives on time, maintaining consistent quality true to Kerala flavors.

Curries, seafood, and biryanis deliver rich, authentic flavors true to Kerala cuisine. Dishes arrive on time and maintain quality comparable to Kerala.

People are saying

"The Kerala food here is so authentic, it tastes just like home."

"The seafood here is fresh, perfectly cooked, and packed with authentic flavor."

"The fish fry is crispy outside and juicy inside."

Good to know

1

Nadan Kerala Cafe operates as a takeout-only establishment.

2

Call ahead about 20 minutes before you arrive for pickup.

3

Parking is street-side, so plan accordingly.

18
Juana's Restaurant image 1
Dominican restaurant

Small, family-owned spot serves authentic Dominican flavors like mangu and garlic chicken. Cozy, family-friendly vibe makes it perfect for relaxed meals. Known for home-style cooking and warm hospitality, it offers a true taste of Latin roots in a comfortable setting.

Food offers authentic Dominican flavors with a home-style cooking feel. Dishes deliver on flavor, quality, and hospitality that reflect true Latin roots.

People are saying

"This Dominican food tastes like real home-style cooking."

"I found the Dominican food here truly authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all dining bills.

2

Expect limited parking availability near the restaurant.

3

Breakfast items are priced around $14 each.

19
Garcia's Restaurant image 1
Ecuadorian restaurant

Small space buzzes with loud music and an Ecuadorian coastal vibe. Seafood dishes offer authentic flavors with genuine ingredients. Crowds gather on weekends, so early arrival is wise for a true cultural experience.

Seafood dishes showcase authentic Ecuadorian flavor with genuine ingredients and preparation. The menu offers authentic Ecuadorian cuisine that delivers solid value for traditional tastes.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and very fresh."

"The seafood soup here is delicious and served in large portions."

"I found the Ecuadorian food here to be authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary on weekends due to high customer volume.

2

Prepare to spend at least $25 per person for a meal.

3

The restaurant is often crowded, so arriving early is advisable.

20
El Rey Del Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, clean space offers a casual atmosphere with authentic Mexican flavors that stand out in the area. Quiet setting suits families with kid-friendly seating and a Spanish menu. Large portions make it great for takeout or dine-in.

Mexican food here has a very authentic feeling with flavors true to tradition. It stands out as one of the most authentic Mexican food experiences in the area.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I ever had."

"I found the tamales really good and fresh."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers both pick-up and delivery options.

2

Portions are large, often enough for multiple people.

3

The menu is primarily in Spanish; a translation app may help.

21
Emiliano SeaFoods LLC image 1
Ecuadorian restaurant

Small space buzzes with authentic Ecuadorian seafood like encebollado and fresh crabs. Warm vibe and great music draw families and friends. Kitchen closes early, ensuring focused dining on true flavors.

Menu features all the essential Ecuadorian dishes with authentic flavors. Food tastes delicious and true to traditional recipes.

People are saying

"The seafood here is delicious, especially the encebollado and corviche."

"The food here is delicious and has authentic Ecuadorian flavors."

"I found the authentic Ecuadorian flavors here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Food is ready for pickup in about 20 minutes after ordering.

2

Arrive by 2 pm if you want to eat there before the kitchen closes.

3

The kitchen closes at 2:30 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

22
Beyti Kebab image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Cozy interior with traditional Turkish elements sets a warm tone. Food bursts with authentic flavors, especially the Beyti Kebab. Spacious rooms host lively parties and concerts, adding versatility beyond dining.

Food bursts with authentic flavors and cooks to perfection. The signature Beyti Kebab stands out as a highlight in a cozy, welcoming setting.

People are saying

"The shish kebab is juicy, seasoned just right, and perfectly cooked."

"The complimentary bread they served was great."

"The food here is bursting with authentic Turkish flavors."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area can be challenging, especially during peak hours.

2

Prices for dishes can be on the higher side, with some sides costing $6.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of authentic Turkish dishes, particularly for meat lovers.

23
El Artesano Restaurant image 1
Cuban restaurant

Cozy space with framed Cuban jerseys and carved stone plates offers an authentic vibe. Bright, upbeat atmosphere filled with Latin energy makes dining lively and communal. Food serves traditional Cuban flavors at reasonable prices, creating a welcoming home away from home.

Food captures traditional Cuban flavors with dishes that feel genuine and satisfying. Prices stay reasonable while serving authentic recipes that bring a true Cuban experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and reasonably priced."

"I thought the churros here were the best I've ever had."

"I found authentic Cuban food that tasted just right."

Good to know

1

Street parking is limited and can be hard to find.

2

The restaurant charges an extra $5 for paying by card.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak hours due to limited staff.

24
Trattoria Napoli image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with warm lighting and soft music creates a cozy, family-friendly vibe. Serves authentic Italian cuisine with dishes that taste truly delicious and made with heart. Outdoor seating adds reasonable comfort to the experience.

Offers authentic Italian cuisine with dishes that taste truly delicious and made with heart. Food consistently delivers a genuine taste of Italy.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pizza and pasta, is delicious."

"The pizza crust here has a char that's hard to beat."

"I found the food here to be truly authentic Italian cuisine."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your own drinks.

2

After 10 PM, only takeaway service is available.

3

Parking in the area can be challenging.

25
El Conuco Restaurante image 1
Dominican restaurant

Dominican restaurant offers authentic flavors with dishes true to tradition. Recently remodeled space includes a new back room perfect for parties. Despite loud Latin music, atmosphere stays calming and family-oriented with cozy, small seating areas.

Dominican cuisine shines with authentic flavors and well-prepared dishes. The food stays true to traditional tastes and offers a genuine experience.

People are saying

"I found the food here delicious and fresh."

"The food here is authentic Dominican cuisine."

"The delivery was prompt and the food was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

All tables of four or more automatically include a 15% gratuity on the bill.

3

Credit card payments are accepted, but an additional tip prompt appears.

26
Mi Islita Kitchen image 1
Puerto Rican restaurant

Small, quaint setting offers authentic Puerto Rican flavors with fresh ingredients and bold taste. Warm, friendly service creates a homey atmosphere enhanced by sounds of Coqui. Clean, inviting space delivers exceptional hospitality that feels like stepping into a grandmother's kitchen.

Authentic Puerto Rican flavors fill every dish, with fresh ingredients and bold taste. Warm, friendly service complements the genuine culinary experience.

People are saying

"This Puerto Rican food tastes like home and Abuela's cooking."

"The seafood here is an explosion of flavor."

"I loved the authentic Puerto Rican flavors and friendly service."

Good to know

1

The restaurant serves a mix of Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Dominican cuisine.

2

The prices are very fair for the quality they offer.

3

The portions are massive and the prices are extremely fair.

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Union City, New Jersey

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